The weather is finally starting to cool off in Texas, baby! Fall is in the air, and the JV Spartans are ready for another battle. This week, Cy Fair rolled into Stratford for another barn burner.
Stratford started the game on offense at their own 35. After some movement downfield by runs from Gavin Guzman, the drive stalled at the Cy Fair 45 with a turnover on downs. The defense stood strong and a big pass-breakup on 3rd down by Eric Michaud forced a punt back to the good guys. Stratford took over at their own 11. An unfortunate fumble fell into the hands of Cy Fair and right into the end zone. Stratford found themselves in a quick 7-0 hole.
Stratford struck back quickly with a 61 yard run from who other than Guzman for a game tying TD! On the ensuing kickoff, the speedster, Colton Barber, made the tackle at the 19 yard line. A quick three-and-out forced a punt, and Stratford took over at their own 40. On 3rd and 13, Guzman connected with #83, Daniel Navo, for a 37 yard gain down to the 12 yard line. On the very next play, Guzman ran off the left side and bulled over a Cy Fair defender into the end zone for a TD. A muffed snap caused a missed extra point, and Stratford led 13-7. Cy fair scored two quick touchdowns before halftime, taking a 21-13 lead into the break.
The third quarter was dominated by defense with back-and-forth punts and no one able to cross the goal line. Aiden Wheeler, Joey Mundweiller, Barber, and #99 (sorry, I don't have an updated roster!) all had multiple tackles. It wasn't until after a solid goal-line stand that a gift-wrapped 4th down pass interference call from one of the three blind mice gave Cy Fair a first and goal. They were able to convert and took a 28-13 lead to start out the final quarter.
A big QB pressure from Wheeler on 3rd and 7 caused a punt back to Stratford with 8 minutes left in the game. Guzman, while getting hit, was able to complete a 25 yard touchdown pass to Navo. After a 2-point conversion, Stratford pulled to within 7 points, 28-21. A fumble recovery by Michaud got the ball back for Stratford and a chance to tie. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to convert and turned the ball over on downs.
It was a back-and-forth game, and the boys fought hard until the clock struck 0. They fell short this week but continue to improve! Next week it's on to Cy Falls at their stadium. Come out and cheer on the boys. It should be a beautiful day in the 80s and sunny!